The first Chinese tour group arriving under the ‘Approved Destination Status’ (ADS) scheme arrived in Sydney over the weekend to begin a week-long itinerary including visits to Sydney, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.
The group touched down at Sydney Airport on Saturday 14 October ahead of the tour which involves sightseeing opportunities on Sydney Harbour’s ferry routes, the NSW central coast and Surfers Paradise.
China lifted its ban on group tours to Australia in August while the Albanese government recommenced the visa process for Chinese group travellers last month.
The Chinese market is one of the most lucrative for Australian inbound tourism with 1.4 million holidaymakers arriving in the year prior to the pandemic spending $2.1 billion.
In 2019, Chinese visitors on group tours spent roughly $581 million in 2019.
“We’ve been looking forward to welcoming more Chinese travellers to Come and Say G’day and experience the stunning scenery and world-class tourism experiences Australia has to offer,” minster for tourism, Don Farrell, said.
“The Government has worked with industry to ensure we are well positioned to welcome back Chinese group tours.”
“The resumption of Chinese group tour travel will provide another welcome boost for Australia’s hard-working tourism operators.”
Since Tourism Australia’s global ‘Come and Say G’day’ campaign launched in China in June, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows short term arrivals from China increased 111 per cent in July compared to the previous month.
